Tree Loss in Cowdray Park Fuels Fears of a Drying Future

By Samantha Mangena and Sibongumenzi Bhango KYCTV - Bulawayo

Deforestation has become a growing problem in Cowdray Park suburb, with the situation worsening in areas of Empompini and Esgodweni, raising fears of a drying future. 

These communities are located on the outskirts of Bulawayo and many households there do not have electricity. 

Gogo Siphiwe Ncube who spoke to KYCTV said that the problem of energy poverty in Cowdray Park has led to people cutting down trees. 

Residents depend mainly on firewood for cooking and heating their homes. As a result, many trees in the surrounding open land are being cut down.

“We do not have electricity here, and people resort to firewood for cooking and warmth,” she said acknowledging that the act has destroyed the environment. 

This situation has been happening for several years, but it has become more noticeable in recent times. 

People are always seen walking to nearby fields and bush areas carrying axes, saws, and wheelbarrows with some now making a living out of selling firewood. 

Another resident, Steven Shoko said selling firewood has been a source of income for him and his family. 

“I do not have a proper job, so I sell firewood in order to feed my family and send my children to school,” said Shoko. 

Environmentalist say that over time, the constant cutting of trees leaves large parts of the land dry and bare.

Meanwhile, a group of young people from Bulawayo of ‘Thembaletu’ initiative are working on restoring the Cowdrypark environment. 

George Super Mafadza, a Thembaletu youth group member said, “As young people we have seen that it is important for us to chip in and help restore our environment. The plan is to plant more that 300 indigenous trees so that we ‘green Cowdrypark’ again.”
 
Areas that once had many trees and natural vegetation now look empty and dusty. The loss of trees also affects the soil and the local environment because trees help protect the land and provide shade.

Thembaletu youth group believe that if electricity or alternative energy sources are available, fewer trees would be cut down and the environment in Cowdray Park could be protected.

Slum upgrading and climate change actions in Bulawayo are supported by Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA)